Born on October 24, 1984, Wriddhiman Saha has earned a prominent place in Indian cricket as a skilled wicketkeeper-batsman. His steady glovework and dependable batting make him a valuable asset to the Indian national cricket team. Saha’s journey in cricket, marked by numerous milestones, reflects his unwavering commitment to the sport.
A Stalwart in Domestic Cricket:
Saha’s cricketing journey began in the domestic arena, where he honed his skills before making it to the international stage. His one-day debut in the Ranji Trophy competition of 2006/07, playing against Assam, marked the beginning of his first-class career. Although he faced a duck in his debut innings, he quickly displayed his potential.
In the 2007–08 Ranji Trophy, Saha made his first-class debut against Hyderabad, where he showcased his prowess with an impressive unbeaten century, scoring 111 runs. This remarkable debut earned him recognition, and he was subsequently included in the East Zone team for the Duleep Trophy in the same season.
Saha’s stellar performances in domestic cricket earned him a coveted contract with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2008 IPL, showcasing his versatility as both a wicketkeeper and a batsman.
Notably, Saha holds the record for the fastest century in domestic cricket, a breathtaking feat he achieved in 2018 by scoring 102 runs off just 20 balls, including 4 fours and 14 sixes.
Success in T20 Leagues:
Saha’s cricketing journey extended to the T20 format, where he made valuable contributions to various franchises. He played for the Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the 2014 IPL Final, Saha etched his name in history by becoming the first player to score a century in an IPL final. His unbeaten 115 runs from 55 balls, featuring 10 fours and 8 sixes, showcased his remarkable ability to perform under pressure.
Later, in the IPL 2022 auction, Saha was picked up by the Gujarat Titans, adding another chapter to his T20 journey.
A Prolific Test Career:
Saha’s Test career commenced in February 2010, initially as a specialist batsman. He made his Test debut against South Africa, filling in as a reserve wicketkeeper. His debut was marked by a duck in the first innings but a resilient 36 runs in the second innings.
One of the defining moments of his Test career came during the Border Gavaskar Trophy in January 2012. Saha played in the fourth match, replacing MS Dhoni, who was banned for slow over rate. His contribution of 35 runs in the first Test helped Virat Kohli secure his maiden Test century.
Saha’s international journey included tours to South Africa, New Zealand, and England. He consistently donned the gloves for India, showcasing his wicketkeeping skills.
In 2017, during a Test match against Australia, Saha exhibited his prowess with the bat by scoring a century, making 117 runs off 233 balls. This remarkable innings played a pivotal role in India’s fightback during that Test match.
Saha’s Test career also saw him achieve the distinction of becoming the first wicketkeeper for India to take ten catches in a single Test, a testament to his remarkable skills behind the stumps.
ODI Career and Personal Life:
While Saha made his ODI debut against New Zealand in 2010, he played only a few matches in this format. Despite glimpses of potential, he didn’t establish a lasting presence in ODIs.
Off the field, Wriddhiman Saha is a family man. He married Romi Saha in 2011, and the couple is blessed with two children.
In 2022, Saha came forward with allegations of bullying and threats by a journalist, leading to a BCCI investigation that resulted in a two-year ban on the journalist from interviewing any cricketer.
Conclusion:
Wriddhiman Saha’s cricketing journey is a testament to his dedication and remarkable skills both as a wicketkeeper and a batsman. He has played a crucial role in Indian cricket, contributing to the team’s success across formats. As he continues to evolve as a cricketer and takes on new challenges in T20 leagues, fans eagerly anticipate more memorable moments from this talented wicketkeeper-batsman. Saha’s unwavering commitment to the sport ensures that his name will be etched in the annals of Indian cricket history.
